Modular Golf Mat with Interlocking Sections and Folding Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing golf games for bars and tailgates are difficult to transport and not adaptable for both indoor and outdoor use, with limited challenge as they primarily involve putting a ball into a single cup.
Innovation Solution
A modular golf game featuring an elongated mat composed of interconnecting sections with a male prong/female slot arrangement, folding rails, and removable plugs, allowing easy assembly and transport, and a carpeted bottom surface for versatility across environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional golf putting device is used, then the game can be played, but it is difficult to transport and not adaptable for both indoor and outdoor use
Solution Approach 1:
The putting surface is divided into multiple interconnectable sections that can be assembled and disassembled easily. Each section has interlocking features (male prongs and female slots) that allow quick assembly without tools, enabling the device to be transported in compact pieces while maintaining a large playing surface when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The mat is designed with universal features that allow it to be used both indoors and outdoors. The interlocking section design and folding rails create a portable structure suitable for various environments, while the multiple holes and removable plugs provide versatile gameplay options for different skill levels and settings.
2Ease of operation
If a single cup putting game is used, then the game is simple to play, but the challenge is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The game transitions from a static single-cup configuration to a dynamic multi-hole configuration. Players can remove and reposition plugs to create different hole patterns and difficulties, allowing the game to adapt to varying skill levels and maintain challenge while preserving the simple putting mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The putting surface includes multiple holes distributed across several sections, transforming the single-target game into a multi-target challenge. This segmentation of the target area increases strategic depth while maintaining the fundamental simplicity of the putting action.
3Ease of manufacture
If the mat sections are interconnected, then the mat is easy to assemble, but the structure must maintain stability
Solution Approach 1:
The mat is constructed from discrete sections with standardized interconnection features. The male prong and female slot design provides simple, tool-free assembly while creating rigid joints that stabilize the overall structure when sections are connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding rails incorporate curved geometries that provide structural reinforcement at connection points. The curved design distributes mechanical loads more effectively across joint interfaces, enhancing stability while maintaining the folding capability for portability.
Data Source
AI summary
A golf game having an elongated mat with a first end, a second end, sides, a top surface, and a bottom surface. Adjacent each end are a plurality of holes with each hole having a removable plug. Along the sides, the first end, and the second end are rails that preferably fold up from the edges of the mat by remaining interconnected by male/female slots.